RIA and Glock 10mm Reply
Hi,
Oddly enough, I have both of these 10mm powerhouses. I've been a Glock fan for many years. I have three of them now (Glock model 22 - a .40 S&W , Glock model 40 - 10mm, and Glock model 41 - 45 ACP.) I bought a new Rossi .357 magnum about 23 years ago - has always shot great. Then my RIA model 1911A1 FS Tactical II. This was a very recent purchase (last fall) as was my Glock 40.
I was so impressed with the Glock 40, I had a Trijicon RMR 6.5 sight mounted when I picked it up! That combination is fantastic! A little tweaking of the Trijicon had it centered up and firing away. I'd bet that the iron sights (rear is adjustable) would really bring in some great groups at long distance that might surprise some. I read that the 6 1/2 inch barrel really helps with accuracy. It also carries 15 in the magazine!
The RIA is surprising! I used to use a 1911 in the Army and I wanted to see how the model worked with the 10mm load. It's better than I thought it would be. I've since moved the RIA from the memory department to put it in my rotation! It has a touch bit more of a report than the Glock, but that's somewhat expected with the difference in barrel lengths. The RIA's barrel is very easy to clean and looks very much like a barrel that comes with a more high priced handgun. There isn't anything that I could see that was "cheap" looking. The fitment during field stripping for cleaning and reassembly did not feel or show sloppy machining. The accuracy was great and very repeatable. It comes with a fiber optic front site that does help some. For me, the RIA is a bargain. I'm very pleased with it. It's not a "cheap" handgun. It's probably not a Delta Elite (I haven't owned one or fired one), but it is really fun to use at the range. It's predictable, reliable (so far - the book says 500 rounds for break in), and fits into my lineup.
I use SIG's 10mm ammunition. They state the 180 FMJ muzzle velocity/energy as 1250 fps and 624 ft lbs. When I was low on my SIG ammo, I bought another brand's 10mm 180 FMJ that reported 1030 fps and 390~ ft lbs. I used it in the Glock and RIA. The difference was immediately felt. I don't reload my own yet. Until then, I'll by buying SIG ammo for both of my 10mm handguns.